Ireland Naming Customs: Difference between revisions

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Irish history has contributed to many variations in Irish names. Understanding these variations will help you as you trace your Irish ancestors.  
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'''Understanding customs used in surnames and given names can help you identify your ancestors in records.  Learn to recognize name variations and see clues in names.'''
|}


=== Surnames ===
==Online Tools==
*[https://www.surnamemap.eu/ireland/index.php '''Republic of Ireland Surname Distribution Map''']
*[https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/index.php '''UK Surname Distribution Map''']
*[https://barrygriffin.com/surname-maps/ '''Irish Surname Maps  Based on the 1901 and 1911 censuses of Ireland''']
*[https://www.johngrenham.com/surnames/ '''Irish Surnames'''] Surname distribution maps. ($)
*[https://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/irish '''Behind the Name: Irish Given Names''']
*[https://surnames.behindthename.com/names/usage/irish '''Behind the Name: Irish Surnames''']
*[https://www.from-ireland.net/irish-names/latin-names-in-english/ '''Latin Names in English''']
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_name '''Irish name'''] Wikipedia
*[https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/65147-redirection '''Varieties and synonymes of surnames and Christian names in Ireland : for the guidance of registration officers and the public in searching the indexes of births, deaths, and marriages'''], e-book.
*[https://www.familysearch.org/en/surname '''FamilySearch's surname experience'''] - enter your last name to find its meaning and origin
==Surnames==


Irish surnames of Gaelic origin were commonly used until England laid claim to Ireland in the fifteenth century. Legislation under English rule led to the anglicization of many Irish names and to the adoption of many English names. Many different forms of Irish surnames resulted. For example, the Irish surname Houlihan or O'Houlihan may have taken on the anglicized form Holland.  
*Irish surnames of Gaelic origin were commonly used until England laid claim to Ireland in the fifteenth century. Legislation under English rule led to the anglicization of many Irish names and to the adoption of many English names. Many different forms of Irish surnames resulted. For example, the Irish surname Houlihan or O'Houlihan may have taken on the anglicized form Holland.
*Surname variations also resulted from an Irish form of patronymics that used '''the prefixes "Mac'', meaning son of, and "O," meaning grandson of'''.
*Many descendants of Anglo-Norman invaders, who became assimilated into the Irish culture, also used patronymics but '''substituted "Fitz" (as in Fitzgerald) for the prefix "Mac."'''
*English law, for a period of time, '''forbade the use of O' and Mac' in Irish surnames.''' Fitz was allowed. Not all members of Irish families chose to conform to English laws, hence several forms of a surname often emerged within a single family.''
*By the end of the nineteenth century, use of prefixes resumed. However, '''prefixes were added or dropped at will, again producing different surnames within the same family'''. Irish who emigrated during the nineteenth century often dropped the prefixes in their new countries of residence.


Surname variations also resulted from an Irish form of patronymics that used the prefixes "Mac'', meaning son of, and "O," meaning grandson of. Many descendants of Anglo-Norman invaders, who became assimilated into the Irish culture, also used patronymics but substituted Fitz' (as in Fitzgerald) for the prefix "Mac." English law, for a period of time, forbade the use of O' and Mac' in Irish surnames. Fitz was allowed. Not all members of Irish families chose to conform to English laws, hence several forms of a surname often emerged within a single family.''
===Epithets--Jr. and Sr.===
A first name may be modified by an adjective to distinguish its bearer from other people with the same name. '''Mór ("big") and Óg ("young")''' are used to distinguish father and son, '''like English "senior" and "junior"''', but are placed between the given name and the surname: Seán Óg Ó Súilleabháin corresponds to "John O'Sullivan Jr." (although anglicised versions of the name often drop the "O'" from the name).


By the end of the nineteenth century, use of prefixes resumed. However, prefixes were added or dropped at will, again producing different surnames within the same family. Irish who emigrated during the nineteenth century often dropped the prefixes in their new countries of residence.  
The word Beag/Beg, meaning "little", can be used in place of Óg. This did not necessarily indicate that the younger person was small in stature, merely younger than his father. Sometimes beag would be used to imply a baby was small at birth, possibly premature.


=== Given Names ===
Adjectives denoting hair colour may also be used, especially informally: Pádraig Rua ("red-haired Patrick"), Máire Bhán ("fair-haired Mary").<ref>"Irish name," at Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_name, accessed 21 February 2021.</ref>
===Traditional Gaeltacht Names===
In Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas, it remains customary to use a name composed of the first name, followed by the father's name in the genitive case, followed by the name of the paternal grandfather, also in the genitive. Thus Seán Ó Cathasaigh (Seán O'Casey), son of Pól, son of Séamus, would be known to his neighbours as Seán Phóil Shéamuis. Occasionally, if the mother or grandmother was a well-known person locally, her name may be used instead of that of the father or grandfather. If the mother's name is used, then that of the maternal grandfather (or potentially grandmother) follows it, for example, Máire Sally Eoghain.


Irish given names are also Gaelic in origin and were affected by the same English influences. As with surnames, many given names were anglicized, producing many given name variations. Darby, Dermot, and Jeremiah, for example, are all variations of the same name.  
These names are not used for official purposes. Often a nickname or English version of a name is used in their composition where the person would use a standard Irish form in formal circumstances. For example, the prominent sean-nós singer Seán Mac Donnchada is perhaps better known as Johnny Mhairtín Learaí.


Other challenges with Irish given names are  
This naming system also survives to a certain extent in rural areas outside the existing Gaeltacht. The system can be particularly useful for distinguishing individuals who live in the same locale and who share a common surname but are not closely related. For example, two individuals named John McEldowney might be known as "John Patsy Den" and "John Mary Philip" respectively. Even the Irish forms sometimes survive in parts of the Sperrins, so that among the principal families of Glenullin some branches are known by father/grandfather forms such as Pháidí Shéamais or Bhrian Dhónaill.<ref>"Irish name," at Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_name, accessed 21 February 2021.</ref>


#that some given names are used for both males and females — Florence, Sydney, and Evelyn for example — and
==Given Names==
#that some given names have nicknames that little resemble the original name. Delia, Phidelia, Bidelia, Biddie, and Bride, for example, are all used as nicknames for the name Bridget.
*Irish given names are also Gaelic in origin and were affected by the same English influences. As with surnames, many given names were anglicized, producing many given name variations. Darby, Dermot, and Jeremiah, for example, are all variations of the same name.  


Two books that can help you with Irish given names are:
*Other challenges with Irish given names are  


*Coghlan, Ronan. ''Irish First Names''. Belfast, Ireland: Appletree Press, 1985. (Family History Library {{FHL|620549|title-id|disp=book 941.5 D4cri}}.)
#that some given names are used for '''both males and females''' — Florence, Sydney, and Evelyn for example — and
#that some given names have '''nicknames that little resemble the original name'''. Delia, Phidelia, Bidelia, Biddie, and Bride, for example, are all used as nicknames for the name Bridget.
===Latin Names===
*In Roman Catholic records, the names were often written in their Latin form. Often you can figure out what the name was by looking at the root of the name, for example, “Patricius” in Latin is “Patrick” in English.
*See [http://www.from-ireland.net/irish-names/latin-names-in-english/ '''Latin Names in English'''].


*Ó Corráin, Donnchadh, and Fidelma Maguire. ''Irish Names''. 2nd ed. 1990. Reprint. Dublin, Ireland: The Lilliput Press, 1992. (Family History Library {{FHL|619551|title-id|disp=book 941.5 D4og 1990}}.)
===Traditional Naming Pattern===
A traditional naming pattern was often used by Irish parents until the later 19th century:  


Other sources on Irish names available at the Family History Library are listed in the&nbsp;Place Search of the catalog under IRELAND - NAMES, PERSONAL.  
*First son usually named for the father's father
*Second son usually named for the mother's father
*Third son usually named for the father
*Fourth son usually named for the father's eldest brother
*Fifth son usually named for the mother's eldest brother
*First daughter usually named for the mother's mother
*Second daughter usually named for the father's mother
*Third daughter usually named for the mother
*Fourth daughter usually named for the mother's eldest sister
*Fifth daughter usually named for the father's eldest sister.  


A traditional naming pattern was often used&nbsp;by Irish parents&nbsp;until the later 19th century:
===Ireland Nicknames===
 
*First son usually named for the father's father
*Second son usually named for the mother's father
*Third son usually named for the father
*Fourth son usually named for the father's eldest brother
*Fifth son usually named for the mother's eldest brother
*First daughter&nbsp;usually named for the mother's mother
*Second&nbsp;daughter&nbsp;usually named&nbsp;for the father's mother
*Third&nbsp;daughter&nbsp;usually named for the mother&nbsp;
*Fourth daughter&nbsp;usually named&nbsp;for the mother's eldest sister
*Fifth daughter&nbsp;usually named for the father's eldest sister.&nbsp;
 
=== Christian Names in Ireland  ===
 
Guide on Irish Christian Names and their English equivalents. Article Christian Names in Ireland found for years 1670-1850 in The Irish Ancestor by Brian de Breffny Vol.1 No. 1, 1969&nbsp;&nbsp;pages 34-40 Family History Library SLC Call number 941.5 B2i, also [http://www.worldcat.org/title/the-irish-ancestor www.worldcat.org/title/the-irish-ancestor]
 
<br>
 
=== Ireland Nicknames ===


Most given names have at least one associated nickname. When names are recorded in civil registration of birth, marriage, and death or in church records, a nickname may have been used instead of the more formal given name (Kate for Catherine or Con for Cornelius, for example). Many nicknames are easy to spot, but others are not. The nicknames used for Bridget include Bedelia, Bedina, Beesy, Bess, Bessie, Biddy, Breda/Breeda, Briddy, Bride, Brideen, Bridie, Cordelia, Dillie/Dilly, Dina, and Phidelia.  
Most given names have at least one associated nickname. When names are recorded in civil registration of birth, marriage, and death or in church records, a nickname may have been used instead of the more formal given name (Kate for Catherine or Con for Cornelius, for example). Many nicknames are easy to spot, but others are not. The nicknames used for Bridget include Bedelia, Bedina, Beesy, Bess, Bessie, Biddy, Breda/Breeda, Briddy, Bride, Brideen, Bridie, Cordelia, Dillie/Dilly, Dina, and Phidelia.  
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Nicknames can lead the researcher astray if used incorrectly. While many people assume that Anty is a nickname for Anthony (a male), it is, in fact, most often a nickname for Anastasia (a female). Lou is both a nickname for male children named Aloysius, Lewis/Louis, and Ulysses as well as female children names Louise or Lucinda.  
Nicknames can lead the researcher astray if used incorrectly. While many people assume that Anty is a nickname for Anthony (a male), it is, in fact, most often a nickname for Anastasia (a female). Lou is both a nickname for male children named Aloysius, Lewis/Louis, and Ulysses as well as female children names Louise or Lucinda.  


One further complication is the use of the same name for both males and females. Giles is one example, with Giley and Jiley (as well as several other derivatives) being nicknames for both sexes. Another example is the given name Florence. In this case, nicknames sometimes make it easier to distinguish between the male (Flo, Florrie/Florry and Flurry) and the female (Flo, Flora, and Flossie).  
One further complication is the use of the same name for both males and females. Giles is one example, with Giley and Jiley (as well as several other derivatives) being nicknames for both sexes. Another example is the given name Florence. In this case, nicknames sometimes make it easier to distinguish between the male (Flo, Florrie/Florry and Flurry) and the female (Flo, Flora, and Flossie).
 
Two books which list nicknames are:
 
*Coghlan, Ronan.&nbsp;''Irish Christian Names: An A-Z of First Names.'' (Family History Library {{FHL|941.5 D4c|disp=book 941.5 D4c}}.)
 
*Dunkling, Leslie Alan.&nbsp;''Scottish Christian Names: An A-Z of First Names.'' (Family History Library {{FHL|941 D4du|disp=book 941 D4du}}.)
 
=== Some Sources That Can Help You with Irish Surnames  ===
 
*MacLysaght, Edward. ''The Surnames of Ireland.'' 6th ed. Dublin, Ireland: Irish Academic Press, 1985. (Family History Library {{FHL|941.5 D4mc|disp=book Ref 941.5 D4mc 1985}}.)
 
*Matheson, Sir Robert E. ''Special Report on Surnames in Ireland [Together with] Varieties and Synonyms of Surnames and Christian Names in Ireland''. 1901. Reprint. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1968. (Family History Library {{FHL|941.5 Dsma|disp=book Ref 941.5 Dsma}}.)
 
==== See also  ====
 
*[[Isle of Man Names Personal]]
*[[Scotland Names Personal]]
*[[Guild of One-Name Studies]]


=== External Links  ===
===Given Name Equivalents===


*http://www.ireland.com/ancestor/  
{| class="wikitable sortable"
*http://genealogy.about.com/cs/surname/a/irish_surnames.htm
|- style="position:sticky; top:0; padding:5px;"
*http://www.behindthename.com/
!Gender
*http://surnames.behindthename.com/
!Formal Name!!Nicknames!!Names Used Interchangeably!!Latin!!Irish!!
|-
|female
|Abigail||Abbie, Abby, Gail, Gubbie, Libby, Nabby, Webbie||Abina||--||Abaigeal, Gobnait
|-
|female
|Abina
|Abbie, Abby, Bina
|Abigail
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Adam
|Edie
| --
|Adamus
| --
|-
|female
|Agnes
|Aggie, Nancy, Nanny, Nessie
| --
|Agna
|Aignéis, Mór, Úna
|-
|male
|Aedan, Aidan
|
|Moses
| --
|Aodhán
|-
|female
|Aileen, Eileen
|Eily, Ellen, Ellie, Eveleen, Lena, Nel, Nellie, Nelly
|Ellen, Eveleen, Evelyn, Helen
| --
|Eibhilín,  Eibhlín
|-
|male
|Albert
|Alby, Alvy, Bert, Bertie, Burt
| --
|Albertus
|Ailbe
|-
|female
|Alberta
|Aubrey, Berta, Bertha, Bertie
|Roberta
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Alexander
|Alaster, Alex, Alick, Allister, Elick, Sandy
| --
| --
|Alsander
|-
|male
|Alfred
|Alfie, Fred, Freddie, Freddy
|Albert
|Alberedus
|Ailfrid
|-
|female
|Alice
|Ailse, Alley, Allie, Ally, Elly, Elsie, Lizzie, Alisha, Elisha
|Alicia
|Alicia, Aleysia
|Ailis, Ailse
|-
|male
|Aloysius
|Alley, Allie, Ally, Lou, Louie, Louis
|Lewis, Louis
|Aloysius
|Alabhaois, Alaois
|-
|female
|Amanda
|Manda, Mandy
| --
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Ambrose
|Amy
| --
|Ambrosius
|Ambrós
|-
|female
|Amelia
|Amy, Milly
| --
| --
| --
|-
|female
|Anastasia
|Anastasse, Anastese, Annis, Anstace, Anty, Any, Atty, Stacia, Stasia, Steise
| --
|Anastasia
|Annstás
|-
|male
|Andrew
|Andy
| --
|Andreas
|Aindréas, Aindrias, Aindriú
|-
|female
|Ann, Anne
|Anna, Annie, Nan, Nancy, Naney, Nanie, Nanno, Nanny
|Anna, Anne, Hannah, Johanna, Nancy
|Anna
|Áine, Eithne, Nainsí
|-
|female
|Annabel, Annabella
|Anable, Anna, Bel, Bella, Belle
|Anabilia, Arabella
|Anabilia
|Annábla, Nábla
|-
|male
|Anthony
|Anthy, Antony, Anty, Oney, Owney, Oynie, Tony
| --
|Antonius
|Anntoin, Antoin, Antoine
|-
|male
|Arthur
|Airt, Art
| --
|Arcturus, Artorius, Arturius
|Art, Artúr
|-
|male
|Archibald
|Archie, Archy
| --
| --
|Easpuig, Giolla
|-
|male
|Augustine
|Austey, Austin
|Austin
|Augustinus
|Ághuistín, Águistín
|-
|female
|Barbara
|Bab, Babbie, Babe, Babs, Barb, Barbary
| --
| --
|Báb, Báibin, Báirbre
|-
|male
|Barnabas, Barnabus
|Barnaby, Barney
| --
|Barnabus
| --
|-
|male
|Bartholomew
|Barbel, Bartholomy, Bartle, Bartley, Bartly, Bartw, Bat, Batt, Batty, Bartel
| --
|Bartholomous
|Beartlaidh, Parthalán, Parthlán, Pártlán, Partnán
|-
|male
|Benjamin
|Ben, Bernie
|Bernard
| --
|Beircheart
|-
|male
|Bernard
|Barney, Bernie, Berny
|Benjamin, Brian, Bryan
|Bernardus
|Bearnárd, Brian
|-
|female
|Bertha
|Bertie, Berty
|Alberta, Roberta
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Brian, Bryan
|
|Bernard
|
|Brian
|-
|female
|Bridget, Brigid
|Bedelia, Bedina, Beesy, Bess, Bessie, Biddy, Breda, Breeda, Briddy, Bride, Brideen, Bridie, Cordelia, Delia, Dillie, Dilly, Dina, Phidelia
|
|Brigida
|Bríd, Bríghid
|-
|female
|Catherine, Katherine
|Cassie, Cassy, Cate, Cathy, Catty, Caty, Kate, Katie, Katty, Katy, Kay, Kit, Kitty, Trina
|Kathleen
| --
|Cáit, Caiti, Caitilín, Cáitín, Catraoine, Caitrín, Caitríona
|-
|female
|Cecilia
|Cecil, Cecily, Celia, Cicely, Cis, Sheela, Sheila, Sia, Sis, Sissy, Syly, Sheelah, Sicely
|Celia
|Cecilia
|Síle
|-
|male
|Charles
|Cahal, Cahir, Carl, Carol, Carroll, Charley, Cormac, Karl, Sorley
|Cahal, Cahir, Carl
|Carolus
|Carlus, Cathair, Cathal, Cathaoir, Cearbhall, Cormac, Séarlas, Séarlus
|-
|female
|Charlotte
|Lotta, Lottie, Lotty, Sharlot, Sharlotte
| --
| --
|Séarlait
|-
|male
|Christian
|Criddy
| --
| --
|Críostaí
|-
|female
|Christina, Christine
|Chris, Chrissy, Christie, Christy, Tena, Tina
| --
|Christina
|Cristin, Cristíona
|-
|male
|Christopher
|Castor, Chris, Christy, Kit, Kitty
| --
|Christophorus
|Chíostal, Chíostóir
|-
|male
|Clotworthy
|Tatty
| --
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Constantine
|Con, Conn, Connie, Conny
| --
| --
|Conn, Consaidín
|-
|male
|Cormack, Cormick
|Cor, Corly, Cormac, Mac, Mack, Mick
|Charles
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Cornelius
|Con, Coneily, Connie, Connor, Conny, Cor, Corly, Neal, Neil, Neily, Nohor, Nahor
| --
|Cornelius
|Conchobhar
|-
|male
|Daniel
|Dan, Danny, Donal, Donny
|Donald
|Danielus
|Domhnall, Dónal, Dhonal
|-
|male
|Darby
| --
|Dermot, Jeremiah, Jerome
|Dermicius
|Diarmaid, Diarmid, Diarmud
|-
|male
|David
|Dahy, Davy
| --
|Davidus
|Dáibhidh, Dáithí
|-
|male
|Denis, Dennis
|Denny, Ditty, Donat, Donough
|Donogh, Donough, Duncan
|Dionysius
|Donnchadh, Dinogha
|-
|female
|Debora, Deborah, Debra
|Debbie, Gobnet, Gubbie
| --
| --
|Gobnait
|-
|male
|Dermot
| --
|Darby, Jeremiah
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Dominic, Dominick
|Dom, Domic, Nick
| --
|Dominicus
|Damhlaic, Damhnaic, Doiminic
|-
|male
|Donald
|Don, Donal, Donat, Donnel, Donny, Donough
|Daniel
|Donaldus, Duvenaldus
|Domhnall, Dónal
|-
|male
|Donogh, Donough
|Donaghy, Donal
|Denis, Duncan
| --
|Donnchadh
|-
|female
|Doreen
|Dora
|Dorothy
| --
|Doireann
|-
|female
|Dorothea, Dorothy
|Dolly, Dora, Dot, Dotty
|Doreen
|Dorothea
|Doireann
|-
|male
|Dudley
| --
| --
| --
|Dualtagh
|-
|male
|Duncan
| --
|Denis, Donogh
| --
| --
|-
|female
|Edith
|Eddy, Edie, Edy
| --
|Eadgitha, Editha
| --
|-
|male
|Edmond, Edmund
|Ed, Eddie, Eddy, Mundy, Ned
|Edward, Edwin
|Eadmundus, Edmundus
|Éamon, Éamonn, Aimon, Mon
|-
|male
|Edward
|Ed, Eddie, Eddy, Ned
|Edmond, Edmund, Edwin
|Eadwardus, Edwardus
|Éadbhárd
|-
|male
|Edwin
|Ed, Eddie, Eddy
|Edmond, Edmund, Edward
| --
| --
|-
|female
|Eleanor
|Elena, Ella, Ellie, Lean, Lena, Nora, Elnar
|Aileen, Eileen, Ellen, Evelyn, Helen
|Elleanora
|Eiléanóir
|-
|female
|Elizabeth
|Bess, Bessie, Beth, Betsy, Betty, Elsie, Eliza, Libby, Liz, Lizzie, Sheela, Sheelagh, Sheila
|Eliza
|Elizabetha
|Eilís, Eilíse
|-
|male
|Elias
|Ellis
| --
|Elias, Elyas
| --
|-
|female
|Ellen
|Eily, Ella, Ellie, Elly, Lean, Lena, Nel, Nellie, Nelly
|Aileen, Eileen, Eleanor, Evelyn, Helen
|Elena, Elleanora
|Eibhilín
|-
|female
|Emily
|Emma, Emmie, Milly
|Emelina, Emma
| --
|Eimíle
|-
|female
|Esther
|Essie, Essy, Hessie, Hessy, Osther
|Easter, Hester
| --
|Eistir
|-
|male
|Eugene
| --
|Eion, Oin, Owen
|Eugenus, Oenus, Owenus, Owinus
|Eoghan
|-
|male
|Eustace
|Eustice, Eustie, Eusty
| --
|Eustachius
| --
|-
|female
|Evelyn
|Eva, Eve, Lena
|Aileen, Eileen, Eveleen
| --
|Eibhilín
|-
|male
|Farrell
| --
|Fergal
| --
|Fearghal
|-
|male
|Felix
| --
|Felim, Phelim, Philip
| --
|Feidhlim, Feidhlimidh
|-
|male
|Ferdinand
|Ferdy, Fergus, Ferty
|Fergus
| --
|Fearadhach, Feardorocha, Fearganainm
|-
|male
|Fergal
| --
|Farrell
| --
|Fearghal
|-
|male
|Fergus
|Fergy
|Ferdinand
| --
|Fearghus
|-
|male
|Festus
|Festy
|Fachnan
| --
|Fachtna, Feichín
|-
|female
|Florence
|Flo, Flora, Flossie
| --
| --
|Bláth, Bláthnaid
|-
|male
|Florence
|Flo, Florrie, Florry, Flurry
|Finian, Flan
| --
|Finghin, Fitheal, Flann
|-
|female
|Frances
|Fanny, Frankie
| --
|Francisca
|Fainche, Proinnséas
|-
|male
|Francis
|Frank, Frankie
| --
|Francis, Franciscus
|Frainc, Proinnsias, Phrinchas
|-
|female
|Frederica
|Fred
| --
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Frederick
|Ed, Eddie, Eddy, Fred, Freddie, Freddy, Rick, Ricky
| --
|Fredericus, Fridericus
|Feardorcha
|-
|male
|Garret, Garrett
|Garry, Gary
|Gerald, Gerard
| --
|Gearóid
|-
|male
|George
| --
| --
| --
|Seoirse
|-
|male
|Gerald
|Gerry, Jerry
|Garret, Garrett, Gerard
|Geraldus, Gerardus, Geroldus
|Gearalt, Gearárd, Gearóid
|-
|female
|Gertrude
|Gerry, Gertie, Jerry, Trudie, Trudy
|Grace
| --
|Gráinne
|-
|female
|Giles
|Giley, Gilley, Jiley, Jill, Jilley, Jillian, Sheela, Sheelagh, Sheila
| --
|Egidia
|Síle
|-
|male
|Giles
|Giley, Gill, Gilley, Jiley, Jilley
| --
|Egidius
| --
|-
|female
|Grace
| --
|Grissel, Grizell, Grizzel
|Gratia
|Gráinne
|-
|female
|Hanna, Hannah, Hanora
|Ann, Anna, Honny, Honor, Noey, Nonie, Nora, Norah, Norry, Onny
|Anna, Johanna, Nancy
|Anna, Honoria
|Nóra, Onóra
|-
|male
|Harold
|Hal, Harry, Henry
|Henry
|Haraldus
|Annraoi, Aralt, Éinrí, Hannraoi
|-
|female
|Harriett
|Hargot, Hargate
| --
| --
| --
|-
|female
|Helen, Helena
|Elena, Elene, Ellie, Lean, Lena, Nel, Nellie, Nelly
|Aileen, Eileen, Eleanor, Ellen, Evelyn
|Helena
|Aibhilín, Eibhilín, Leán
|-
|male
|Henry
|Hal, Harry
|Harold
|Hendricus, Henricus
|Annraoi, Éinrí, Hannraoi
|-
|male
|Herbert, Hubert
|Bert, Bertie, Burt, Hugh, Huey
| --
| --
|Hoireabard
|-
|female
|Hester
|Essie, Essy, Hessie, Hessy
|Easter, Esther
| --
|Eistir
|-
|male
|Hugh
|Huey, Hughey
|Herbert, Hubert
|Hugo, Hugonis
|Aodh, Hoibeard
|-
|female
|Isabel, Isabella
|Bel, Bella, Belle, Shibby, Sibby
|Elizabeth
|Isabella
|Isibéal
|-
|female
|Isadora
|Dora
| --
|Dora, Isadora
| --
|-
|male
|Jacob
|Jack, Jake
|James
|Jacobus
| --
|-
|male
|James
|Jamesy, Jamey, Jamie, Jim, Jimmy, Shamus, Shemus, Jemmie
|Jacob
|Jacobus
|Séamus, Simidh, Siomaidh
|-
|female
|Jane
|Jan, Janey, Jeanne, Jenny
|Janet, Jean, Joan
|Johanna
|Sinéad
|-
|female
|Janet, Janette
|Etta, Jane, Jenny, Nettie, Netty
|Jane
|Janeta, Johanna
|Sinéad
|-
|male
|Jeremiah
|Darby, Dermot, Jeremy, Jerome, Jerry
|Darby, Dermot, Jerome
|Hieremias, Jeremias
|Diarmaid
|-
|male
|Jerome
|Jeremy, Jerry
|Darby, Dermot, Jeremiah
|Hieronymus
|Diarmaid
|-
|female
|Joan
|Joanne, Jonny
|Jane, Joanna
|Johanna
|Siobhán
|-
|female
|Joanna, Johanna
|Ann, Anna, Hanna, Hannah, Joan, Johan, Josephine
|Anna, Hannah, Joan
|Johanna
|Siobhán
|-
|male
|John
|Jack, Johnie, Johnny, Jonny, Sean, Shane
|Owen
|Joannis, Johannes
|Eóin, Seaghán, Seán, Seón
|-
|male
|Joseph
|Joe, Joey
| --
|Josephus
|Íosep, Seosamh
|-
|female
|Josephine
|Jo, Joseph, Josie
| --
| --
|Seosaimhín
|-
|female
|Judith
|Jude, Judy, Jugge, Juggy
|Julia
| --
|Síle, Siobhán
|-
|female
|Julia
|Juley, Julie, Sheela
|Judith
| --
|Síle, Siobhán
|-
|male
|Kieran, Kyran, Cairan
|Cairn, Kerry
| --
| --
|Cianán
|-
|male
|Laughlin, Lochlann, Loughlin
|Lack, Lacky, Lanty, Lotty
| --
| --
|Leachlainn, Lochlainn, Maeleachlainn
|-
|male
|Laurence, Lawrence
|Larry, Lau, Law, Lorry, Lory
|Lorcan
|Laurentius, Lorentius
|Labhrás, Lorcán, Lubhrás
|-
|female
|Letitia
|Lettice, Lettie, Letty, Tish, Tisha, Titia
| --
|Letia, Letitia
| --
|-
|male
|Lewis, Louis
|Ally, Lewy, Lou, Louie
|Aloysius, Lucius
| --
|Laoighseach, Lughaidh
|-
|female
|Lilian, Lillian
|Lelia, Lil, Lilly, Lily
| --
| --
|Lil, Líle
|-
|female
|Louisa, Louise
|Lou, Louie, Lu, Lula, Lulu
| --
|Louisa
|Labhaoise
|-
|male
|Lucas
|Luke
|Luke
|Lucas, Lucasius
|Lúcás
|-
|female
|Lucinda
|Lou, Louie, Lucy
| --
|Lucia, Lucinda
|Luighseach
|-
|male
|Luke
| --
|Lucas
|Lucas, Lucasius
|Lucas
|-
|female
|Mabel
| --
| --
| --
|Nabla
|-
|female
|Magdalene
|Magdillon
| --
|Magdalena
| --
|-
|male
|Manus
|Magnus, Mago, Mane
| --
|Manus
|Maghnus
|-
|male
|Mark
| --
| --
|Marcus
|Marcus
|-
|female
|Margaret
|Etta, Greta, Madge, Maggie, Marge, Margo, Meg, Meggy, Meta, Minnie, Molly, Peg, Peggy, Peig, Peigi, Polly, Rita
|Margery, Marjery, Marjory
|Margareta
|Máire, Mairéad
|-
|female
|Margery, Marjery, Marjory
|Madge, Marge, Margie, Margo, Margot, Marjie, Molly
|Margaret
|Margeria
|Máire
|-
|male
|Martin
|Mart, Marty, Mert, Mertie, Murt
| --
|Martinus
|Máirtin, Mártain
|-
|female
|Martha
|Marta, Martie, Marty, Martle, Martly
| --
|Marta
|Marta, Mór
|-
|female
|Mary
|Mae, Maeve, Mally, Mame, Mamie, Mamsie, Margery, Maria, Marie, Marjery, Marjory, Maura, Maureen, May, Meave, Memsie, Minnie, Moira, Moll, Molly, Moreen, Moya, Polly
| --
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Matthew
|Mait, Matha, Matt, Matty
| --
|Mathaeus
|Maitiú
|-
|male
|Mathias
|Matt, Matty
| --
|Mathias
|Maitias
|-
|female
|Matilda
|Mait, Maiti, Matty, Maud, Tilda, Tilde, Tilly
| --
|Matilda
|Maitilde
|-
|female
|Maud
|
|Matilda
| --
|Meav
|-
|male
|Maurice
|Morris, Moss
| --
|Mauricius
|Muirgheas, Muiris
|-
|female
|Maureen, Moreen
|Marian, Maura, May, Moira, Molly
|Mary
| --
|Máire
|-
|male
|Michael
|Micil, Mick, Micky, Meehal, Meehall
| --
|Michaelis
|Mícheál
|-
|male
|Moses
|
|Aiden
| --
|Magsheesh, Mogue
|-
|male
|Murtagh
|Mogue, Murt, Murth, Murtha, Murty
|Mortimer
| --
|Muircheartach
|-
|female
|Nancy
|Ann, Anna, Anne, Nan, Nance, Nannie, Nanno, Nanny
|Anna, Hannah
| --
|Nainsí
|-
|male
|Nicholas
|Colin, Nick, Nicol, Niocol
| --
|Nicolaus
|Nioclás
|-
|male
|Oliver
|Elly
| --
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Owen, Oin, Eoin
| --
|Eugene
|Oenus, Owenus, Owinus
|Eoghan
|-
|male
|Patrick
|Paddy, Padric, Paidi, pat, Patsy, Patt, Patty, Paudrick, Phadrig
| --
|Patricius
|Pádraig
|-
|female
|Penelope
|Finola, Flora, Nappa, Nappy, Nell, Nelly, Nuala, Penny
|Fionna
| --
|Fionnuala, Nuala
|-
|male
|Peter
|Percy, Petre, Pierce
|Pierce
|Petrus
|Peadar
|-
|male
|Phelim
|Phelimy
|Felix, Philip
|Felmeus
|Feidhlim, Feidhlimi
|-
|male
|Philip
|Filib, Phil, Filip
|Felix, Phelim
| --
|Feidhlim, Feidhlimi, Pilib
|-
|female
|Philomena
|Mena, Mina, Phil
| --
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Pierce
|Percy, Piers
|Peter
| --
|Feoras, Piaras
|-
|male
|Raymond, Redmond
|Mundy
| --
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Richard
|Dick, Richie, Rick, Ricky
| --
|Ricardus
|Riocárd, Risteárd
|-
|male
|Robert
|Bert, Bertie, Burt, Rob, Robbie, Robin
| --
|Robertus
|Ribeart, Ribirt, Riobárd, Roibeárd, Roibín
|-
|female
|Roberta
|Berta, Bertha, Bertie
|Alberta
| --
| --
|-
|male
|Roderick
|Rod, Roddy, Rody, Rory
|Roger
|Rothericus
|Ruaidhrí
|-
|male
|Roger
| --
|Roderick
| --
|Ruaidhrí
|-
|female
|Rose
|Rosie, Rosy
|Roseanna, Rosetta
|Rose
|Róis, Roisín
|-
|female
|Sabina, Sibina
|Bina, Sally, Sibby
| --
| --
|Saidhbhín, Síle
|-
|male
|Samuel
|Sam, Sammy, Sorley
| --
| --
|Samhairle, Somhairle
|-
|female
|Sarah, Seragh
|Sadie, Sal, Sally
| --
| --
|Sadhbh, Sorcha
|-
|male
|Senan, Sinan, Synan
|Sean
| --
| --
|Seanán, Sionán
|-
|female
|Sophia
| --
| --
| --
|Sawa
|-
|male
|Stephen
|Stefan, Steve, Stevie
| --
|Stephanus
|Steafán, Steimhin, Stiabhán, Stiabhna, Stiana, Stibhin, Stiofán
|-
|female
|Susan
|Sue, Susanna, Susannah, Susie, Susy, Shovaun
|Susanna
|Susanna
|Súsanna, Siobhán
|-
|female
|Sybil
|Bel, Belle, Sibella, Sibby
| --
|Sibella
|Isibéal
|-
|male
|Teague
|Taidgh, Teige, Thade, Thady, Tim
|Thaddeus, Timothy
|Thaddeus
|Tadhg
|-
|male
|Terence
|Tarla, Terry, Tirlogh
| --
|Terricus
|Toirdealbhach
|-
|female
|Teressa, Theressa
|Terry, Tess, Tessie, Tressa, Treise
| --
| --
|Toiréasa, Treasa
|-
|male
|Thaddeus
|Taddy, Tade, Thade, Thady
|Teague
|Thaddeus
|Tadhg
|-
|male
|Theobald
|Theo, Tibbot, Tobias, Toby
| --
| --
|Teabóid, Tiobóid
|-
|male
|Theodore
|Ted, Teddy, Theo
| --
|Theodorus
|Téadóir
|-
|male
|Thomas
|Thomsy, Tom, Tomas, Tommy, Tomy
| --
|Thomas
|Tomáisín, Tomás
|-
|male
|Timothy
|Tady, Teigue, Tim, Timy, Tomaltagh, Tumelty, Thiag, Thigue, Theigue
|Teague, Thaddeus
|Timotheus
|Tiomód, Tomaltach
|-
|male
|Ulick
| --
|Ulysses
|Ulitius
|Uileog
|-
|male
|Ulysses
|Lewis, Louis, Ulick
|Ulick
|Ulitius
|Uileog
|-
|female
|Wilhelmina
|Mena, Mina
| --
| --
| --
|-
|male
|William
|Liam, Will, Willy, Laymeen, Leam
|Wilhelm
|Guilielmus
|Uilliam
|-
|female
|Winifred
|Fred, Freddie, Onna, Onny, Oona, Una, Uny, Vinnie, Viny, Winnie, Winny, Unity
| --
| --
|Úna
|-
|}
==For Further Reading==
*[https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf '''A GUIDE TO NAMES AND NAMING PRACTICES, UK Names Guide''']
*de Breffny, Brian. '''Guide on Irish Christian Names and their English equivalents.''' Article Christian Names in Ireland found for years 1670-1850. The Irish Ancestor, Vol.1 No. 1, pages 34-40 (FamilySearch Library SLC Call number 941.5 B2i). Also [http://www.worldcat.org/title/the-irish-ancestor WorldCat]
*Coghlan, Ronan. '''''Irish First Names'''''. Belfast, Ireland: Appletree Press, 1985. (FamilySearch Library {{FSC|620549|title-id|disp=book 941.5 D4cri}}.) {{WorldCat|633587261|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}
*Ó Corráin, Donnchadh, and Fidelma Maguire. '''''Irish Names'''''. 2nd ed. 1990. Reprint. Dublin, Ireland: The Lilliput Press, 1992. (FamilySearch Library {{FSC|619551|title-id|disp=book 941.5 D4og 1990}}.) {{WorldCat|1100939448|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}
*Coghlan, Ronan. '''''Irish Christian Names: An A-Z of First Names.''''' (FamilySearch Library {{FSC|941.5 D4c|disp=book 941.5 D4c}}.) {{WorldCat|1135629197|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}
*MacLysaght, Edward. '''''The Surnames of Ireland.''''' 6th ed. Dublin, Ireland: Irish Academic Press, 1985. (FamilySearch Library {{FSC|941.5 D4mc|disp=book Ref 941.5 D4mc 1985}}.) {{WorldCat|1047573195|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}
*Matheson, Sir Robert E. '''''Special Report on Surnames in Ireland [Together with] Varieties and Synonyms of Surnames and Christian Names in Ireland'''''. 1901. Reprint. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1968. (FamilySearch Library {{FSC|941.5 Dsma|disp=book Ref 941.5 Dsma}}.) {{WorldCat|1013221618|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}


===FamilySearch Library===


*More such books are listed in the '''FamilySearch Catalog:'''
**{{FSC|858705|subject_id|disp= Ireland - Names, Personal}}
**{{FSC|1409039|subject_id|disp= Ireland - Names, Personal - Dictionaries}}
**{{FSC|531738|subject_id|disp= Ireland - Names, Personal - Indexes}}
**{{FSC|618840|subject_id|disp= Ireland - Names, Personal - Maps}}
**{{FSC|601505|subject_id|disp= Ireland - Names, Personal - Periodicals}}


=== List of Names from unusual Records ===
==References==
<references/>


*O'Dwyer, Riobard. The annals of Beara:Family Lineage book for Beara Peninsula, County Cork, Ireland {{FHL|941.95 D2o v. 1}}
[[Category:Ireland]]
[[Category:Ireland]] [[Category:Names_Personal]]
[[Category:Naming Customs]] [[Category:Naming Customs]]
[[Category:Naming Customs]]
[[Category:Patronyms]]

Latest revision as of 18:16, 24 April 2024


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Understanding customs used in surnames and given names can help you identify your ancestors in records. Learn to recognize name variations and see clues in names.

Online Tools[edit | edit source]

Surnames[edit | edit source]

  • Irish surnames of Gaelic origin were commonly used until England laid claim to Ireland in the fifteenth century. Legislation under English rule led to the anglicization of many Irish names and to the adoption of many English names. Many different forms of Irish surnames resulted. For example, the Irish surname Houlihan or O'Houlihan may have taken on the anglicized form Holland.
  • Surname variations also resulted from an Irish form of patronymics that used the prefixes "Mac, meaning son of, and "O," meaning grandson of.
  • Many descendants of Anglo-Norman invaders, who became assimilated into the Irish culture, also used patronymics but substituted "Fitz" (as in Fitzgerald) for the prefix "Mac."
  • English law, for a period of time, forbade the use of O' and Mac' in Irish surnames. Fitz was allowed. Not all members of Irish families chose to conform to English laws, hence several forms of a surname often emerged within a single family.
  • By the end of the nineteenth century, use of prefixes resumed. However, prefixes were added or dropped at will, again producing different surnames within the same family. Irish who emigrated during the nineteenth century often dropped the prefixes in their new countries of residence.

Epithets--Jr. and Sr.[edit | edit source]

A first name may be modified by an adjective to distinguish its bearer from other people with the same name. Mór ("big") and Óg ("young") are used to distinguish father and son, like English "senior" and "junior", but are placed between the given name and the surname: Seán Óg Ó Súilleabháin corresponds to "John O'Sullivan Jr." (although anglicised versions of the name often drop the "O'" from the name).

The word Beag/Beg, meaning "little", can be used in place of Óg. This did not necessarily indicate that the younger person was small in stature, merely younger than his father. Sometimes beag would be used to imply a baby was small at birth, possibly premature.

Adjectives denoting hair colour may also be used, especially informally: Pádraig Rua ("red-haired Patrick"), Máire Bhán ("fair-haired Mary").[1]

Traditional Gaeltacht Names[edit | edit source]

In Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas, it remains customary to use a name composed of the first name, followed by the father's name in the genitive case, followed by the name of the paternal grandfather, also in the genitive. Thus Seán Ó Cathasaigh (Seán O'Casey), son of Pól, son of Séamus, would be known to his neighbours as Seán Phóil Shéamuis. Occasionally, if the mother or grandmother was a well-known person locally, her name may be used instead of that of the father or grandfather. If the mother's name is used, then that of the maternal grandfather (or potentially grandmother) follows it, for example, Máire Sally Eoghain.

These names are not used for official purposes. Often a nickname or English version of a name is used in their composition where the person would use a standard Irish form in formal circumstances. For example, the prominent sean-nós singer Seán Mac Donnchada is perhaps better known as Johnny Mhairtín Learaí.

This naming system also survives to a certain extent in rural areas outside the existing Gaeltacht. The system can be particularly useful for distinguishing individuals who live in the same locale and who share a common surname but are not closely related. For example, two individuals named John McEldowney might be known as "John Patsy Den" and "John Mary Philip" respectively. Even the Irish forms sometimes survive in parts of the Sperrins, so that among the principal families of Glenullin some branches are known by father/grandfather forms such as Pháidí Shéamais or Bhrian Dhónaill.[2]

Given Names[edit | edit source]

  • Irish given names are also Gaelic in origin and were affected by the same English influences. As with surnames, many given names were anglicized, producing many given name variations. Darby, Dermot, and Jeremiah, for example, are all variations of the same name.
  • Other challenges with Irish given names are
  1. that some given names are used for both males and females — Florence, Sydney, and Evelyn for example — and
  2. that some given names have nicknames that little resemble the original name. Delia, Phidelia, Bidelia, Biddie, and Bride, for example, are all used as nicknames for the name Bridget.

Latin Names[edit | edit source]

  • In Roman Catholic records, the names were often written in their Latin form. Often you can figure out what the name was by looking at the root of the name, for example, “Patricius” in Latin is “Patrick” in English.
  • See Latin Names in English.

Traditional Naming Pattern[edit | edit source]

A traditional naming pattern was often used by Irish parents until the later 19th century:

  • First son usually named for the father's father
  • Second son usually named for the mother's father
  • Third son usually named for the father
  • Fourth son usually named for the father's eldest brother
  • Fifth son usually named for the mother's eldest brother
  • First daughter usually named for the mother's mother
  • Second daughter usually named for the father's mother
  • Third daughter usually named for the mother
  • Fourth daughter usually named for the mother's eldest sister
  • Fifth daughter usually named for the father's eldest sister.

Ireland Nicknames[edit | edit source]

Most given names have at least one associated nickname. When names are recorded in civil registration of birth, marriage, and death or in church records, a nickname may have been used instead of the more formal given name (Kate for Catherine or Con for Cornelius, for example). Many nicknames are easy to spot, but others are not. The nicknames used for Bridget include Bedelia, Bedina, Beesy, Bess, Bessie, Biddy, Breda/Breeda, Briddy, Bride, Brideen, Bridie, Cordelia, Dillie/Dilly, Dina, and Phidelia.

Nicknames can lead the researcher astray if used incorrectly. While many people assume that Anty is a nickname for Anthony (a male), it is, in fact, most often a nickname for Anastasia (a female). Lou is both a nickname for male children named Aloysius, Lewis/Louis, and Ulysses as well as female children names Louise or Lucinda.

One further complication is the use of the same name for both males and females. Giles is one example, with Giley and Jiley (as well as several other derivatives) being nicknames for both sexes. Another example is the given name Florence. In this case, nicknames sometimes make it easier to distinguish between the male (Flo, Florrie/Florry and Flurry) and the female (Flo, Flora, and Flossie).

Given Name Equivalents[edit | edit source]

Gender Formal Name Nicknames Names Used Interchangeably Latin Irish
female Abigail Abbie, Abby, Gail, Gubbie, Libby, Nabby, Webbie Abina -- Abaigeal, Gobnait
female Abina Abbie, Abby, Bina Abigail -- --
male Adam Edie -- Adamus --
female Agnes Aggie, Nancy, Nanny, Nessie -- Agna Aignéis, Mór, Úna
male Aedan, Aidan Moses -- Aodhán
female Aileen, Eileen Eily, Ellen, Ellie, Eveleen, Lena, Nel, Nellie, Nelly Ellen, Eveleen, Evelyn, Helen -- Eibhilín, Eibhlín
male Albert Alby, Alvy, Bert, Bertie, Burt -- Albertus Ailbe
female Alberta Aubrey, Berta, Bertha, Bertie Roberta -- --
male Alexander Alaster, Alex, Alick, Allister, Elick, Sandy -- -- Alsander
male Alfred Alfie, Fred, Freddie, Freddy Albert Alberedus Ailfrid
female Alice Ailse, Alley, Allie, Ally, Elly, Elsie, Lizzie, Alisha, Elisha Alicia Alicia, Aleysia Ailis, Ailse
male Aloysius Alley, Allie, Ally, Lou, Louie, Louis Lewis, Louis Aloysius Alabhaois, Alaois
female Amanda Manda, Mandy -- -- --
male Ambrose Amy -- Ambrosius Ambrós
female Amelia Amy, Milly -- -- --
female Anastasia Anastasse, Anastese, Annis, Anstace, Anty, Any, Atty, Stacia, Stasia, Steise -- Anastasia Annstás
male Andrew Andy -- Andreas Aindréas, Aindrias, Aindriú
female Ann, Anne Anna, Annie, Nan, Nancy, Naney, Nanie, Nanno, Nanny Anna, Anne, Hannah, Johanna, Nancy Anna Áine, Eithne, Nainsí
female Annabel, Annabella Anable, Anna, Bel, Bella, Belle Anabilia, Arabella Anabilia Annábla, Nábla
male Anthony Anthy, Antony, Anty, Oney, Owney, Oynie, Tony -- Antonius Anntoin, Antoin, Antoine
male Arthur Airt, Art -- Arcturus, Artorius, Arturius Art, Artúr
male Archibald Archie, Archy -- -- Easpuig, Giolla
male Augustine Austey, Austin Austin Augustinus Ághuistín, Águistín
female Barbara Bab, Babbie, Babe, Babs, Barb, Barbary -- -- Báb, Báibin, Báirbre
male Barnabas, Barnabus Barnaby, Barney -- Barnabus --
male Bartholomew Barbel, Bartholomy, Bartle, Bartley, Bartly, Bartw, Bat, Batt, Batty, Bartel -- Bartholomous Beartlaidh, Parthalán, Parthlán, Pártlán, Partnán
male Benjamin Ben, Bernie Bernard -- Beircheart
male Bernard Barney, Bernie, Berny Benjamin, Brian, Bryan Bernardus Bearnárd, Brian
female Bertha Bertie, Berty Alberta, Roberta -- --
male Brian, Bryan Bernard Brian
female Bridget, Brigid Bedelia, Bedina, Beesy, Bess, Bessie, Biddy, Breda, Breeda, Briddy, Bride, Brideen, Bridie, Cordelia, Delia, Dillie, Dilly, Dina, Phidelia Brigida Bríd, Bríghid
female Catherine, Katherine Cassie, Cassy, Cate, Cathy, Catty, Caty, Kate, Katie, Katty, Katy, Kay, Kit, Kitty, Trina Kathleen -- Cáit, Caiti, Caitilín, Cáitín, Catraoine, Caitrín, Caitríona
female Cecilia Cecil, Cecily, Celia, Cicely, Cis, Sheela, Sheila, Sia, Sis, Sissy, Syly, Sheelah, Sicely Celia Cecilia Síle
male Charles Cahal, Cahir, Carl, Carol, Carroll, Charley, Cormac, Karl, Sorley Cahal, Cahir, Carl Carolus Carlus, Cathair, Cathal, Cathaoir, Cearbhall, Cormac, Séarlas, Séarlus
female Charlotte Lotta, Lottie, Lotty, Sharlot, Sharlotte -- -- Séarlait
male Christian Criddy -- -- Críostaí
female Christina, Christine Chris, Chrissy, Christie, Christy, Tena, Tina -- Christina Cristin, Cristíona
male Christopher Castor, Chris, Christy, Kit, Kitty -- Christophorus Chíostal, Chíostóir
male Clotworthy Tatty -- -- --
male Constantine Con, Conn, Connie, Conny -- -- Conn, Consaidín
male Cormack, Cormick Cor, Corly, Cormac, Mac, Mack, Mick Charles -- --
male Cornelius Con, Coneily, Connie, Connor, Conny, Cor, Corly, Neal, Neil, Neily, Nohor, Nahor -- Cornelius Conchobhar
male Daniel Dan, Danny, Donal, Donny Donald Danielus Domhnall, Dónal, Dhonal
male Darby -- Dermot, Jeremiah, Jerome Dermicius Diarmaid, Diarmid, Diarmud
male David Dahy, Davy -- Davidus Dáibhidh, Dáithí
male Denis, Dennis Denny, Ditty, Donat, Donough Donogh, Donough, Duncan Dionysius Donnchadh, Dinogha
female Debora, Deborah, Debra Debbie, Gobnet, Gubbie -- -- Gobnait
male Dermot -- Darby, Jeremiah -- --
male Dominic, Dominick Dom, Domic, Nick -- Dominicus Damhlaic, Damhnaic, Doiminic
male Donald Don, Donal, Donat, Donnel, Donny, Donough Daniel Donaldus, Duvenaldus Domhnall, Dónal
male Donogh, Donough Donaghy, Donal Denis, Duncan -- Donnchadh
female Doreen Dora Dorothy -- Doireann
female Dorothea, Dorothy Dolly, Dora, Dot, Dotty Doreen Dorothea Doireann
male Dudley -- -- -- Dualtagh
male Duncan -- Denis, Donogh -- --
female Edith Eddy, Edie, Edy -- Eadgitha, Editha --
male Edmond, Edmund Ed, Eddie, Eddy, Mundy, Ned Edward, Edwin Eadmundus, Edmundus Éamon, Éamonn, Aimon, Mon
male Edward Ed, Eddie, Eddy, Ned Edmond, Edmund, Edwin Eadwardus, Edwardus Éadbhárd
male Edwin Ed, Eddie, Eddy Edmond, Edmund, Edward -- --
female Eleanor Elena, Ella, Ellie, Lean, Lena, Nora, Elnar Aileen, Eileen, Ellen, Evelyn, Helen Elleanora Eiléanóir
female Elizabeth Bess, Bessie, Beth, Betsy, Betty, Elsie, Eliza, Libby, Liz, Lizzie, Sheela, Sheelagh, Sheila Eliza Elizabetha Eilís, Eilíse
male Elias Ellis -- Elias, Elyas --
female Ellen Eily, Ella, Ellie, Elly, Lean, Lena, Nel, Nellie, Nelly Aileen, Eileen, Eleanor, Evelyn, Helen Elena, Elleanora Eibhilín
female Emily Emma, Emmie, Milly Emelina, Emma -- Eimíle
female Esther Essie, Essy, Hessie, Hessy, Osther Easter, Hester -- Eistir
male Eugene -- Eion, Oin, Owen Eugenus, Oenus, Owenus, Owinus Eoghan
male Eustace Eustice, Eustie, Eusty -- Eustachius --
female Evelyn Eva, Eve, Lena Aileen, Eileen, Eveleen -- Eibhilín
male Farrell -- Fergal -- Fearghal
male Felix -- Felim, Phelim, Philip -- Feidhlim, Feidhlimidh
male Ferdinand Ferdy, Fergus, Ferty Fergus -- Fearadhach, Feardorocha, Fearganainm
male Fergal -- Farrell -- Fearghal
male Fergus Fergy Ferdinand -- Fearghus
male Festus Festy Fachnan -- Fachtna, Feichín
female Florence Flo, Flora, Flossie -- -- Bláth, Bláthnaid
male Florence Flo, Florrie, Florry, Flurry Finian, Flan -- Finghin, Fitheal, Flann
female Frances Fanny, Frankie -- Francisca Fainche, Proinnséas
male Francis Frank, Frankie -- Francis, Franciscus Frainc, Proinnsias, Phrinchas
female Frederica Fred -- -- --
male Frederick Ed, Eddie, Eddy, Fred, Freddie, Freddy, Rick, Ricky -- Fredericus, Fridericus Feardorcha
male Garret, Garrett Garry, Gary Gerald, Gerard -- Gearóid
male George -- -- -- Seoirse
male Gerald Gerry, Jerry Garret, Garrett, Gerard Geraldus, Gerardus, Geroldus Gearalt, Gearárd, Gearóid
female Gertrude Gerry, Gertie, Jerry, Trudie, Trudy Grace -- Gráinne
female Giles Giley, Gilley, Jiley, Jill, Jilley, Jillian, Sheela, Sheelagh, Sheila -- Egidia Síle
male Giles Giley, Gill, Gilley, Jiley, Jilley -- Egidius --
female Grace -- Grissel, Grizell, Grizzel Gratia Gráinne
female Hanna, Hannah, Hanora Ann, Anna, Honny, Honor, Noey, Nonie, Nora, Norah, Norry, Onny Anna, Johanna, Nancy Anna, Honoria Nóra, Onóra
male Harold Hal, Harry, Henry Henry Haraldus Annraoi, Aralt, Éinrí, Hannraoi
female Harriett Hargot, Hargate -- -- --
female Helen, Helena Elena, Elene, Ellie, Lean, Lena, Nel, Nellie, Nelly Aileen, Eileen, Eleanor, Ellen, Evelyn Helena Aibhilín, Eibhilín, Leán
male Henry Hal, Harry Harold Hendricus, Henricus Annraoi, Éinrí, Hannraoi
male Herbert, Hubert Bert, Bertie, Burt, Hugh, Huey -- -- Hoireabard
female Hester Essie, Essy, Hessie, Hessy Easter, Esther -- Eistir
male Hugh Huey, Hughey Herbert, Hubert Hugo, Hugonis Aodh, Hoibeard
female Isabel, Isabella Bel, Bella, Belle, Shibby, Sibby Elizabeth Isabella Isibéal
female Isadora Dora -- Dora, Isadora --
male Jacob Jack, Jake James Jacobus --
male James Jamesy, Jamey, Jamie, Jim, Jimmy, Shamus, Shemus, Jemmie Jacob Jacobus Séamus, Simidh, Siomaidh
female Jane Jan, Janey, Jeanne, Jenny Janet, Jean, Joan Johanna Sinéad
female Janet, Janette Etta, Jane, Jenny, Nettie, Netty Jane Janeta, Johanna Sinéad
male Jeremiah Darby, Dermot, Jeremy, Jerome, Jerry Darby, Dermot, Jerome Hieremias, Jeremias Diarmaid
male Jerome Jeremy, Jerry Darby, Dermot, Jeremiah Hieronymus Diarmaid
female Joan Joanne, Jonny Jane, Joanna Johanna Siobhán
female Joanna, Johanna Ann, Anna, Hanna, Hannah, Joan, Johan, Josephine Anna, Hannah, Joan Johanna Siobhán
male John Jack, Johnie, Johnny, Jonny, Sean, Shane Owen Joannis, Johannes Eóin, Seaghán, Seán, Seón
male Joseph Joe, Joey -- Josephus Íosep, Seosamh
female Josephine Jo, Joseph, Josie -- -- Seosaimhín
female Judith Jude, Judy, Jugge, Juggy Julia -- Síle, Siobhán
female Julia Juley, Julie, Sheela Judith -- Síle, Siobhán
male Kieran, Kyran, Cairan Cairn, Kerry -- -- Cianán
male Laughlin, Lochlann, Loughlin Lack, Lacky, Lanty, Lotty -- -- Leachlainn, Lochlainn, Maeleachlainn
male Laurence, Lawrence Larry, Lau, Law, Lorry, Lory Lorcan Laurentius, Lorentius Labhrás, Lorcán, Lubhrás
female Letitia Lettice, Lettie, Letty, Tish, Tisha, Titia -- Letia, Letitia --
male Lewis, Louis Ally, Lewy, Lou, Louie Aloysius, Lucius -- Laoighseach, Lughaidh
female Lilian, Lillian Lelia, Lil, Lilly, Lily -- -- Lil, Líle
female Louisa, Louise Lou, Louie, Lu, Lula, Lulu -- Louisa Labhaoise
male Lucas Luke Luke Lucas, Lucasius Lúcás
female Lucinda Lou, Louie, Lucy -- Lucia, Lucinda Luighseach
male Luke -- Lucas Lucas, Lucasius Lucas
female Mabel -- -- -- Nabla
female Magdalene Magdillon -- Magdalena --
male Manus Magnus, Mago, Mane -- Manus Maghnus
male Mark -- -- Marcus Marcus
female Margaret Etta, Greta, Madge, Maggie, Marge, Margo, Meg, Meggy, Meta, Minnie, Molly, Peg, Peggy, Peig, Peigi, Polly, Rita Margery, Marjery, Marjory Margareta Máire, Mairéad
female Margery, Marjery, Marjory Madge, Marge, Margie, Margo, Margot, Marjie, Molly Margaret Margeria Máire
male Martin Mart, Marty, Mert, Mertie, Murt -- Martinus Máirtin, Mártain
female Martha Marta, Martie, Marty, Martle, Martly -- Marta Marta, Mór
female Mary Mae, Maeve, Mally, Mame, Mamie, Mamsie, Margery, Maria, Marie, Marjery, Marjory, Maura, Maureen, May, Meave, Memsie, Minnie, Moira, Moll, Molly, Moreen, Moya, Polly -- -- --
male Matthew Mait, Matha, Matt, Matty -- Mathaeus Maitiú
male Mathias Matt, Matty -- Mathias Maitias
female Matilda Mait, Maiti, Matty, Maud, Tilda, Tilde, Tilly -- Matilda Maitilde
female Maud Matilda -- Meav
male Maurice Morris, Moss -- Mauricius Muirgheas, Muiris
female Maureen, Moreen Marian, Maura, May, Moira, Molly Mary -- Máire
male Michael Micil, Mick, Micky, Meehal, Meehall -- Michaelis Mícheál
male Moses Aiden -- Magsheesh, Mogue
male Murtagh Mogue, Murt, Murth, Murtha, Murty Mortimer -- Muircheartach
female Nancy Ann, Anna, Anne, Nan, Nance, Nannie, Nanno, Nanny Anna, Hannah -- Nainsí
male Nicholas Colin, Nick, Nicol, Niocol -- Nicolaus Nioclás
male Oliver Elly -- -- --
male Owen, Oin, Eoin -- Eugene Oenus, Owenus, Owinus Eoghan
male Patrick Paddy, Padric, Paidi, pat, Patsy, Patt, Patty, Paudrick, Phadrig -- Patricius Pádraig
female Penelope Finola, Flora, Nappa, Nappy, Nell, Nelly, Nuala, Penny Fionna -- Fionnuala, Nuala
male Peter Percy, Petre, Pierce Pierce Petrus Peadar
male Phelim Phelimy Felix, Philip Felmeus Feidhlim, Feidhlimi
male Philip Filib, Phil, Filip Felix, Phelim -- Feidhlim, Feidhlimi, Pilib
female Philomena Mena, Mina, Phil -- -- --
male Pierce Percy, Piers Peter -- Feoras, Piaras
male Raymond, Redmond Mundy -- -- --
male Richard Dick, Richie, Rick, Ricky -- Ricardus Riocárd, Risteárd
male Robert Bert, Bertie, Burt, Rob, Robbie, Robin -- Robertus Ribeart, Ribirt, Riobárd, Roibeárd, Roibín
female Roberta Berta, Bertha, Bertie Alberta -- --
male Roderick Rod, Roddy, Rody, Rory Roger Rothericus Ruaidhrí
male Roger -- Roderick -- Ruaidhrí
female Rose Rosie, Rosy Roseanna, Rosetta Rose Róis, Roisín
female Sabina, Sibina Bina, Sally, Sibby -- -- Saidhbhín, Síle
male Samuel Sam, Sammy, Sorley -- -- Samhairle, Somhairle
female Sarah, Seragh Sadie, Sal, Sally -- -- Sadhbh, Sorcha
male Senan, Sinan, Synan Sean -- -- Seanán, Sionán
female Sophia -- -- -- Sawa
male Stephen Stefan, Steve, Stevie -- Stephanus Steafán, Steimhin, Stiabhán, Stiabhna, Stiana, Stibhin, Stiofán
female Susan Sue, Susanna, Susannah, Susie, Susy, Shovaun Susanna Susanna Súsanna, Siobhán
female Sybil Bel, Belle, Sibella, Sibby -- Sibella Isibéal
male Teague Taidgh, Teige, Thade, Thady, Tim Thaddeus, Timothy Thaddeus Tadhg
male Terence Tarla, Terry, Tirlogh -- Terricus Toirdealbhach
female Teressa, Theressa Terry, Tess, Tessie, Tressa, Treise -- -- Toiréasa, Treasa
male Thaddeus Taddy, Tade, Thade, Thady Teague Thaddeus Tadhg
male Theobald Theo, Tibbot, Tobias, Toby -- -- Teabóid, Tiobóid
male Theodore Ted, Teddy, Theo -- Theodorus Téadóir
male Thomas Thomsy, Tom, Tomas, Tommy, Tomy -- Thomas Tomáisín, Tomás
male Timothy Tady, Teigue, Tim, Timy, Tomaltagh, Tumelty, Thiag, Thigue, Theigue Teague, Thaddeus Timotheus Tiomód, Tomaltach
male Ulick -- Ulysses Ulitius Uileog
male Ulysses Lewis, Louis, Ulick Ulick Ulitius Uileog
female Wilhelmina Mena, Mina -- -- --
male William Liam, Will, Willy, Laymeen, Leam Wilhelm Guilielmus Uilliam
female Winifred Fred, Freddie, Onna, Onny, Oona, Una, Uny, Vinnie, Viny, Winnie, Winny, Unity -- -- Úna

For Further Reading[edit | edit source]

FamilySearch Library[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Irish name," at Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_name, accessed 21 February 2021.
  2. "Irish name," at Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_name, accessed 21 February 2021.